What Are Bacteria?

Bacteria, also
called germs, are microscopic organisms not visible with the naked eye.
Bacteria are everywhere, both inside and outside of your body. Bacteria can
live in a variety of environments, from hot water to ice. Some bacteria are
good for you, while others can make you sick.

Bacteria are
single-celled, or simple, organisms. Though small, bacteria are powerful and
complex, and they can survive in extreme conditions. Bacteria have a tough
protective coating that boosts their resistance to white blood cells in the
body.

Some bacteria have
a tail, called a flagellum. The flagellum helps a bacterium to move around.
Other bacteria have sticky hair-like appendages that help bacteria them stick
to one other, hard surfaces, and human body cells.

There are many
bacteria in the human body, especially in the stomach and mouth. Bacteria are
found on surfaces and in substances such as water, soil, and food.

What Are the Types of Bacteria?

Bacteria can be
aerobic, anaerobic, or facultative anaerobes. These terms describe how they
respond to oxygen. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen to live. Anaerobic bacteria
will die around oxygen. Facultative anaerobes function best with oxygen but do
not need it.

What Are the Benefits of Bacteria?

Some bacteria
are good for you, including the bacteria in your digestive system, or gut.
These bacteria help to break down food and keep you healthy. Other good
bacteria can produce oxygen are used to create antibiotics. Bacteria are used
in food production to make yogurt and fermented foods.

The ecosystem
relies on bacteria to function properly. For example, bacteria break down dead
matter in the environment, like dead leaves, releasing carbon dioxide and
nutrients in the process. Without the release of carbon dioxide, plants are
unable to grow.

How Are Bacteria Harmful?

Though
there are many more good bacteria than bad, some bacteria are harmful. If you
consume or come in contact with harmful bacteria, they may reproduce in your
body and release toxins that can damage your body’s tissues and make you feel
ill. Harmful bacteria are called pathogenic bacteria because they cause disease
and illnesses like strep throat, staph infections, cholera, tuberculosis, and
food poisoning.